of rewards get us to focus narrowly, which for this kind of work,
is a plus. However, the same body of research tells us that if-
then rewards are far less effective for creative, conceptual work.
Why? If-then rewards are narrow, but for these tasks we want
an expanded perspective, a wider look. The big problem is that
organizations tend to use if-then rewards for everything, rather
than for the one category of tasks where they actually work.
P: Why does the concept of human motivation interest
you so much?
DP: It’s definitely interesting to try to understand what people
do. But why they do it takes the inquiry to a deeper and even
more fascinating level.
P: If you line up your books on a shelf, it seems like you
have quiet the variety of interests. What story do you
think your collective works tell?
DP: I don’t think there’s a single story, but there is a common
theme. All the books have to do with work. I’ve always been
fascinated by work: what people do, why they do it, how they
collaborate with others, what work means to them. We spend
half our waking hours at work, which makes it an incredible
platform for understanding the human condition.
P: Which of your books was the most interesting to
research and write?
DP: That’s like asking which of my three children is my favorite!
At the moment, I’m enamored of my newest book, which will
be out in January. It’s called WHEN: The Scientific Secrets of
Perfect Timing.
P: What do you hope ISPA members gain from your
keynote presentation?
DP: A couple of big ideas to understand their world and some
specific takeaways for running their businesses. n
2017 ISPA
CONFERENCE & EXPO
Don’t miss Pink’s keynote at the
GENERAL SESSION H TUESDAY, OCT. 17
9:30 – 11 a.m.